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Braganza
Abbot
Westminster Abbey
Mission
British Columbia
Canada
August 15, 2007
To whom it may concern
This letter is written to express my support for the critically important work carried out by Stephanie Gray and the members of the Canadian Centre for Bioethical Reform (CCBR).
This work carried out by the CCBR is unique and proves the Gospel maxim: "By their fruits you shall know them" (Mt 7:20). The members present the pro-life thinking behind the pro-life commitment of many Canadians, especially Catholics, by means of a method that not only provokes profound thought about what is really at stake, but is also backed up by the witness of the lives of those working for CCBR: dialogue, reasonableness, respect for the other, gentleness, prayer and personal sacrifice for the truth.
There is nothing, to my knowledge, contrary to Catholic teaching in the use of the graphics and the content of the arguments that CCBR employs. In fact the arguments are profoundly Catholic!
When one considers how graphics are used by the media to promote vice and violence, one ought not to have any objection when graphics of the mutilated aborted children are employed to promote the protection of the unborn and unmask the evil of a crime goes daily unrecognized. The principle of showing the results of a crime in order to prevent it is not new. The unnerving difference here is that the crime is perpetrated against the voiceless and defenseless unborn child.
Having followed pro-life activities in general for some years, and having experienced the growing public indifference to the conventional ways of presenting the pro-life stance, the CCBR’s approach enables us to re-engage individuals in a serious debate about the issues that underlie the basic right to life. This is not to say that this is the only method. The pro-life cause must be fought on many fronts and in many ways, standing together for the one cause. The ultimate weapon given us by Jesus himself is the prayer, fasting and sacrifice carried out silently by many Christians and priests and religious consecrated to God. This latter means is the foundation for all other means.
The effect of the work the CCBR is doing testifies to the good fruit being produced among youth especially: a renewed commitment to appreciate the gift of life and defend it. This organization is able reawaken consciences of the old and the young from the sleep of indifference, fuzzy thinking, prejudice, to the evil of the genocide of the unborn. It has helped many to embrace the truth freely and wholeheartedly.
There can be no reform worth speaking about with out a renewed understanding of the right to life. Before this right can be constitutionally and unconditionally upheld — taking of the life of the unborn must become unthinkable. This is at the heart of the CCBR’s work. I unhesitatingly recommend its support.
Sincerely,
(Rt. Rev. John Braganza, OSB)
Abbot of Westminster Abbey, Mission. B.C., V2V 4J2. Canada.
